At Bedford Academy we believe that for our students to gain the greatest benefits from their education, it is vital that they attend regularly. Our students should be on time, every day the Academy opens unless the reason for absence is absolutely unavoidable. It is very important that families recognise their responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly and on time. 98% attendance is a realistic and achievable target for all students that allows for the occasional emergency or sick absence.
You may think that 90% in an exam is great, but for attendance it is not very good at all:
90% attendance = ½ a day a week missed
90% attendance = 4 weeks missed every year
90% attendance = ½ a school year missed every 5 years
For every 17 missed days a year = 1 GCSE-grade drop in achievement; this could be the difference between a C and a D grade in Maths or English!
Parent/Guardian Responsibility:
• Only let your son/daughter stay at home if they are genuinely ill
• If your son/daughter is going to be absent inform the Academy before 9am on (01234) 301500 ext. 238 or attendance@bedfordacademy.co.uk to advise us of why they are absent and when you expect them to return
• Make medical appointments outside of Academy hours
• Ensure that holidays are taken in Academy holidays only, never in term time; a Fixed Penalty Notice may be issued to parents if students take holiday in term
• Talk to your son/daughter about the Academy and how they feel about it. They are more likely to attend and enjoy it if they feel supported and listened to.
What to do if there is a problem with your son/daughter’s attendance...
• Talk calmly to your son/daughter and listen to the explanation. Contact their tutor or their Learning Village Leader to address the reason for their non-attendance.
• Your son/daughter’s welfare is important to us. We can help you resolve issues and can offer lots of support for you and your child. You are not alone.
• Be supportive to your child in the run up to tests and be aware of coursework deadlines.
• Help your child catch up with missed work - a missed day should not mean missed work.
At Bedford Academy we work very closely with the feeder schools in our cluster to ensure that we build good attendance habits right from the start of a students’ schooling. Together we have agreed a joint statement that shows our joint commitment to promoting good attendance.